Nicosia Nicosia Map of Cyprus Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia (Greek: Λευκωσία ; also colloquially Khora,Χώρα see also List of traditional Greek place names) or Lefkoşa (Turkish), is the capital and largest city of Cyprus . Nicosia is located at 35°10' north, 33°21' east (35.1667, 33.35). [ 1 ] There have recently been some moves to use the Greek name Lefkosia as the official English name, but this has not been generally accepted. Located on the Pedieos river and situated roughly in the centre of the island, it is the seat of government as well as the main business centre.

Nicosia is the center of an administrative district, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and it is currently the only divided capital city in the world, with the northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) portions divided by the " Green Line ", a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations, although unlike Cold War East and West Berlin, few use the terms North Nicosia and South Nicosia.The 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 36 % of the island's territory literally cut the capital in half. The Turkish Cypriots use it as capital of occupied area, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is a state not recognized by any country in the world, except Turkey It has a population of 206.200 (end of 2001) in the sector controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus,, which means that over a quarter of the Republic's people live in the capital. At least three quarters of the city population live in the 'Greek' part, which is controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.

Nicosia is a modern, dynamic capital with lots of shops, restaurants and entertainment The city is a trade center and manufactures textiles, leather, pottery, plastic, and other products. Copper mines are nearby. Nicosia is the seat of the University of Cyprus (UCY) and of all the colleges and institutes of Republic of Cyprus. The city is a trade center and manufactures textiles, leather, pottery, plastic, and other products. Copper mines are nearby. Nicosia is the seat of the University of Cyprus (UCY). History Main Article History of Nicosia The Greek name of Nicosia, "Lefkosia", probably comes from Lefkos, son of Ptolemy I of Egypt , who rebuilt the city in the 3rd century B.C.. Another probability is that the name originated from the white poplar (lefki) which was abundant in the bed of the city's river. The city also bore the name of Lefkothea - the white goddess.Still known as Lefkosia, the city became the island's capital in the 11th century.

It had grown in importance because of threats to the coastal cities Paphos and Salamis, which made many people flee to the centrally located Lefkosia. Known as Ledra or Ledrae in ancient times, the city was the seat of the Lusignan kings of Cyprus since 1192, became a Venetian possession in 1489, and fell to the Turks in 1571. Ledra is now the actual name of the most popular commercial street. The name "Nicosia" appeared towards the end of the 12th century, when the city was owned and run by the Knights Templar. In fact, it is this period of Frankish (Luisignan) rule that gave rise to the exonym Nicosia. The Crusaders conquerors could not, or did not care, to pronounce the name Kallinikisis, as the city was called at that time, and they tended to say "Nikosia", which they spelled as "Nicosia".

In this era of the Franks, the city expanded culturally, while under the Lusignans in the 15th and 16th centuries, the capital saw the erection of a number of palaces, mansions, churches and monasteries. Sir Garnet Wolseley in Nicosia The Ottoman siege of 1570 caused 20,000 casualties, while the 19th century also observed tragedy. The Turks eliminated the 1821 revolt with bloodshed, cholera hit the city in 1835, and fire destroyed large parts of Nicosia in 1857. The British gained control over the island in 1878, leaving Nicosia the colony's capital. Nicosia was the scene of extreme violence in the period just prior to Cypriot independence in 1960. Since the Greek supported coup and Turkish invasion which followed it in 1974, part of the city's northern sector has been inside the boundary of a United Nations buffer zone The tombs of the Lusignan kings are in the former Cathedral of St. Sophia, now a mosque in the northern sector.

The core of the city also has well-preserved Venetian fortifications, built in the 16th century, which encircle the old, medieval part of the city. Old Photo from Nicosia Administration As the capital of the Republic, Nicosia is Cyprus's political, economic and cultural head. Greater Nicosia is subdivided into seven municipalities, but the metropolitan authority is the Municipality of Nicosia itself – within whose boundaries the Constitution states that the main government buildings and headquarters must be suited. The other municipalities in the city are Strovolos,Lakatamia,Latsia, Aglantzia,Engomi and Agios Dometios According to the constitution of Cyprus Nicosia Municipality was divided into a Greek and Turkish sector with two Mayors a representative of the Greek Community which was the majority and a second one representing the Turkish community. The Mayors and the members of the Council were appointed by the President of the Republic. Since 1986 the Mayors and members of the Council are elected. The Mayor and the Municipal Councilors are elected by direct popular suffrage but into separate ballots – one for the Mayor and the other for all the Councilors.

Municipal elections are held every five years. The end of 2001 schedules the next elections. The Municipality of Nicosia is now headed by the Mayor, who is Mihalis Zambellas (supported by the conservative party Democratic Rally and the United Democrats) and the council comprising of 26 councilors, one of who is Deputy Mayor. Northern Sector has its own de facto municipality, whose mayor is Kutlay Erk, but that municipality is not internationally recognized because it is due to the laws of the non-recognized TRNC. The Mayor and the Councilors exercise all the powers vested in them by the Municipal Corporation Law. Sub-committees consisting of members of the Municipal Council act only on an advisory level and according to the procedures and regulations issued by the Council. The Mayor is the executive authority of the Municipality, exercising overall control and managing the Municipal Council. The Council is responsible for appointing personnel employed by the Municipality. All municipalities in the Republic of Cyprus are members of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities. The executive Committee is the governing organ of the Union. This Committee is appointed from among the representatives of the Municipalities, for a term of two and a half years.

The Mayor of Nicosia is the President of the Union and the Chairman of the Executive Committee. Interesting Sites Nicosia lies roughly at the center of the island, with a rich history that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. It only became Capital of the island in the 11th century AD. The Lousignians turned it into a magnificent city with a Royal Palace and over fifty churches. Today it blends its historic past brilliantly with the bustle of a modern city. The heart of the city, enclosed by 16th century Venetian walls, is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years past. Yet this old heart is split in two, leaving Nicosia the only capital city in the world to remain divided by force. The new Nicosia developed outside the walls became a contemporary, business and cultural center. Just a few miles away areenchanting places of interest such as Byzantine churches and monasteries, archaeological sites and charming villages. The old walled city of Nicosia is unique and definitely the place to head for first.

Encircled by strong fortress walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the enchanting old city is scattered with buildings and monuments of historical interest as well as little shops, cafés and tavernas. To walk through the old city is to step backwards in time. Narrow streets and old houses with ornate balconies jut from weather beaten sandstone walls, smell of jasmine flowers in those long summer evenings, and craftsmen in small workshops practice trades unchanged for centuries. 'Laiki Yitonia' - Folk Neighborhood - is a pedestrian section, which has been carefully renovated to evoke the atmosphere of past days. The two main streets of old Nicosia, Ledra and Onasagorou, are lined with shops of every type, and both streets are pedestrian - only. Although the city has been destroyed more than once by conquerors, there are still enough leftovers to enjoy the past.History is most strikingly experienced at the Venetian city wall, which was constructed between 1567 and 1570. The 4,5 metres thick wall used to have three gates. The Famagusta gate is now used as cultural centre. Some other parts of the wall contain administration offices.

The historical centre is clearly present inside the walls, but the modern city has grown beyond. The heart of the city is Eleftheria (Freedom) Square, with the city hall, the post office and the library. Adjacent Ledra street leads to the most lively part of the old city with narrow streets, boutiques, and cafés. Agia Fanomereni is a church built in 1872, constructed with the remains of an old castle and a convent. Here rest the Archbishop and the other Bishops who were killed by the Turks during the 1821 revolt . The Palace of the Archbishop can be found at Arkhiepiskopos Kyprianos Square. Although it seems very old, it's a wonderful imitation of typical Venetian style, built in 1956. Next to the palace is the late gothic Saint John cathedral (1665) with picturesque frescos. Aphrodite of Soloi , Archaeological Museum, Nicosia Cyprus, 1st century BC Nicosia is also known for its fine museums. The Archbishop's Palace contains a Byzantine museum where you can admire the largest collection of religious icons on the island.

Leventis Municipal Museum Other interesting museums include the Folk Art Museum, National Struggle Museum (witnessing the rebellion against the British administration in the 1950s), Cyprus Ethnological Museum(House of Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios) and the Handicrafts Centre. The Nicosia Jewels Museum and the Municipal Arts Center are both well worth a visit. The 'Levention' Municipal Museum, with an imaginative presentation of the capital's history, was awarded the title "1991 European Museum of the Year" and it is the only historical museum of Nicosia and revives the old ways of life in the capital from ancient times up to our days. Not to be missed is the unique Cyprus Museum, housing island's most important collection of Cypriot antiquities and treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period. In contrast to these ancient finds is the State Collection of Contemporary Art, and on the other side of town, just off the main Limassol road, is the Cyprus Handicraft Center.

East Gate, Nicosia "Famagusta Gate", 1878 of the Venetian walls Another award winner is the city's renovated 'Pyli Ammochostou' - Famagusta Gate - one of the original entrances to the old city, which won the Europa Nostra award for its restoration. Many old churches are to be found in this part of town, and other places of interest. In Nicosia also there are mosques, like the Selimiye Mosque. This ancient church is the chief mosque in the turkish occupied part of Nicosia, and the great festivals of Bayram and other Moslem gatherings are conducted here. It was formerly the cathedral of St. Sophia which was built in the period 1209 A.D. to 1228, over the ruins of a previous building. Other famous mosques are Haydarpasha Mosque, and Arabahmet Mosque Transportation Nicosia has an organised network of Urban Busses that is managed by the Nicosia Bus Company Ltd. All the bus routes start at the Solomos Square terminal in the centre of the city and cover all the areas of the city.

Buses run every 20 to 30 minutes depending on their destination while on weekends they run less frequently. For more information as well as for the current fares you can call the Nicosia Bus Company. In addition, Nicosia Municipality runs its own busses, the well-known Yellow Busses that cover the city within the walls. There is no fare charge for these routes. There are many taxi companies in Nicosia. In order to take a taxi you have to call one of the taxi companies. The taxi will come pick you up from where you are. Besides the taxi companies, there is a taxi rank at the Eleftheria Square (City Centre) where you can find taxis twenty-four hours a day. Taxi fares are regulated by law and taxi drivers are obligated to use a taximeter. Part of the Venetian Wall fortifications in the city of Nicosia Sports Football is the most important sport in Cyprus, and Nicosia is home of the two major teams of the island, AC Omonia and APOEL . The two teams dominate the Cypriot Football; Omonia has the record of championships and APOEL the record of the cups.

Another team of Nicosia which had success in the past and plays in Cypriot First Divisio n is Olympiakos Nicosia . All of these teams play at GSP Stadium, the biggest in Cyprus, with capacity of 23400. The other big stadium of Nicosia is Makario Stadium with capacity of 16 000 seats. EN THOI Lakatamia is another football team in First Division Omonia and APOEL have their own basketball and volleyball sections. APOEL is successfull team in basketball as well, same with another team of the city, Keravnos Strovolos.In athletics the club of Nicosia is Gymnastic Club Pancypria (GSP)-the owner of the football stadium GSP. Also all the teams in the Futsal First Division are from Nicosia! There are also many other clubs in basketball, handball and other sports Nicosia hosted the European Saporta Cup in 1997 and the 2005 FIBA Europe All Star Game in Eleftheria Stadium which is the biggest basketball stadium in Cyprus, with capacity of 6 500 seats.

Lefkotheo is the volley ball stadium in Nicosia. Both Stadiums are the Omonia's and APOEL home. Cyprus: The ancient island of Aphrodite - CNN.com When the Ottoman Empire launched a successful full-scale attack in 1570, the scene was set for the divisions between Turkish and Greek Cypriots that exist on the Mediterranean island until today. Cyprus in the 20th century By the time Cyprus came under British administration in 1878, Greek Cypriots were already agitating for union with Greece. A referendum in 1950 that was boycotted by Turkish Cypriots came out heavily in favor of union with Greece. Inter-communal violence fractured the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities after the country gained independence in 1960 and Turkey threatened to invade in a series of events that became a Cold War flashpoint in 1963 and 1964. Only the involvement of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson halted a Turkish invasion when he stated that the U.S. would not stand beside the NATO member in the event of a Soviet invasion of Turkish territory.

In July 1974, the Greek military junta backed a coup d'etat in Cyprus. In response Turkey launched military intervention and by August it had landed thousands of troops and successfully partitioned the island along what is known as the "Green Line." Around 180,000 Greek Cypriots were forced south and some 50,000 Turkish Cypriots moved into vacant properties in the northern Turkish occupied zone. Cyprus has existed as a de-facto divided country ever since and the events of the bloody summer of 1974 still dominate, not just the politics of the island, but Greco-Turkish relations in general. Locals playing backgammon outside a cafe in Nicosia. In 1983, the administration in northern Cyprus declared the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)"; an entity that is not recognized internationally by any country other than Turkey. Efforts to resolve the conflict have ended in failure. Attempts at reconciliation In 2004, the Annan Plan, named after then U.N.

Secretary General Kofi Annan, led to a referendum on reunification which was supported by Turkish Cypriots but rejected by the Greek side as being too heavily weighted in favor of the Turkish side. Despite this setback, Cypriots have been chipping away at partition. In 2008, Greek Cypriots demolished a key section of the barrier dividing the island's capital city Nicosia. Ledra Street -- a pedestrianized shopping area -- became the sixth crossing point on the divided island. At the time, the move was welcomed by then leader of the Turkish north Ferdi Sabit Soyer who was reported as calling it "a positive development." In 2004, Cyprus gained accession to the European Union which recognized its entry as a whole but suspended its legislation in the Turkish north, saying that "these areas are outside of the customs and fiscal territory of the EU. But the EU notes that this does not affect the personal rights of Turkish Cypriots as EU citizens." Economic ups and downs Erratic growth in the 1990s -- largely due to fluctuations in tourist arrivals that reflected the island's political instability -- gave way to stronger growth.

The Republic of Cyprus was first listed as an advanced economy by the International Monetary Fund in 2001. According to the IMF, Cypriots are among the most prosperous people in in the Mediterranean region with GDP per capita surpassing $26,000 in 2012. Economists say the turnaround was made all the more spectacular when partition is taken into account. After 1974, Cypriots in the south lost 65% of their hotel and tourist accommodation, 46% of its industrial sector and 56% of its mining and quarrying production. The Republic of Cyprus experienced rapid economic growth as it rebuilt its tourism industry after losing much of its infrastructure in the north after the invasion of 1974. In the north, however, the economy struggles. According to the CIA World Factbook, its GDP remains one quarter the size of the south and, with Turkey its primary public and private investor, its per capita GDP is around half that of the south.

Demonstrators against the EU bailout pamphlet during a student parade in March in Nicosia, Meanwhile, Cyprus has successfully parlayed its role as a hub between East and West, rising as a significant business center in the region and becoming a haven for the assets of many wealthy Russians In 2012, however, the growth story faltered and Russian bank accounts along with those of Cypriots and EU citizens with unsecured funds were badly hit. In a major economic crisis, Cypriot banks exposed to local property companies, the Greek Debt Crisis and hammered by a junk rating downgrade by international ratings agencies, Cypriot banks teetered on the verge of collapse. Only a €10 billion ($13.7 billion) EU bailout package, which included those losses for depositors, averted a financial disaster that threatened to drag the Mediterranean financial sector down with it. Ironically for partitioned Cyprus, the solution from the Eurogroup was to split the country's second largest bank - the Cyprus Popular Bank - into two banks; one "bad" which would be wound down over time and one "good" that would be absorbed by the Bank of Cyprus.

CITIES OF CYPRUS CITIES OF CYPRUS Cyprus is classified into six(6) districts(major cities with their suburbs), according to the constitution of 1960. These major cities are: Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaka, Paphos, Famagusta, Kyrenia. NICOSIA, the thousand year old capital city in the heart of the country Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, lies in the north central part of eastern Mediterranean island. Its population is 186,000. It houses the main government offices as well as the headquarters of many major local and international companies. The Presidential Palace is in Nicosia which is a busy commercial centre today. Nicosia is a trading center for the surrounding Mesaoria Plain, where wheat, olives, almonds, and fruits are grown. Light industries manufacture machine tools, textiles, tobacco products, pottery, and leather goods. Tourism is important.

Landmarks include the Church of Saint Sophia--now a mosque--which was begun in the 13th century, and the 15th-century Venetian walls, which were constructed by the Venetians to withstand an expected invasion by the Turks(1571). Nicosia is also the archepiscopal seat of the autonomous Church of Cyprus. Known as Ledra in ancient times, it was first mentioned in the 7th century BC. Nicosia was ruled by the Byzantines (330-1191), Lusignan kings (1192-1489), Venetians (1489-1571), Turks (1571-1878), and the British until 1960, when Cyprus became an independent republic. During the Venetian expansion eastward in the 1500's, Nicosia (Lefkosia) was fortified with imposing stone walls and massive gates. The famous Famagusta Gate still stands today, proudly protecting the still ancient town within from the modern city without. Through the Gate lies Laiki Geitonia, an old section which has been lovingly restored.

Wend your way through narrow stone streets where crimson flowers cascade from window pots and the aroma of traditional baking wafts through open doorways. Explore jewellery and handicraft shops, dine in charming tavernas, marvel at churches centuries old. Those engrossed in history and art will make their way directly to the Cyprus Museum, which holds the island's priceless treasures from the first stirrings of the Neolithic Age through the Roman period. At the Byzantine Museum, encounter a dazzling collection of early-Christian icons from the Mediterranean's Golden Age. The State Collection of Contemporary Art takes a newer prospective, focusing on Cyprus' modern artists, some of whom have gained note on the international market. Come full circle in time and visit the Cyprus Handicraft Center workshops, where traditional arts are practiced today much the same way they were in ages past. Relax and enjoy a splendid Cypriot meal, accented by one of the island's famous wines. Later, the night life beckons near Famagusta Gate, giving expression to the Cypriot's legendary spirit of celebration. LIMASSOL, a celebration of beaches, fortresses and festivals Limassol is the second largest town in Cyprus and has a population of about 143,000.

Its history is obscure but it seems to have grown in importance after the decline of the ancient kingdoms of Kourion to the West and Amathus to the East. Today Limassol is a major port, a busy commercial centre, the home of hundreds of offshore companies, and a popular tourist resort. Renowned for its superior hotel accommodation and service, and for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, it has grown out of all recognition over the past ten years. The Limassolians have a reputation for being the most sociable people on the island and the town is the venue for the annual Carnival celebrations and a Wine Festival, held every September. Situated at the heart of the vine-growing district, Limassol is home to the country's main wineries and is an important centre in the production of fruit and vegetables. Small industries also flourish here on the two Industrial Estates located on either side of the town. Visitors are likely to confine themselves to the so-called "Tourist Area" which stretches along the coast road from Amathus to the Old Port, and to the old shopping area around St. Andrew Street, although there is much to be seen outside the town boundaries. Today, the tradition of celebration and hospitality continues in this vibrant seaside town.

In February before Lent, masked revelers invade the street with music, parades, and dancing for Carnival. In September, the Wine Festival explodes in the town for a week. And every night people in restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs celebrate events momentous and trivial, from a soccer win to a sudden romance to yet another stunning sunset at day's end. Explore Limassol Castle, which contains the Cyprus Medieval Museum, or the Folk Art Museum, which is housed in an old mansion. Walk on ten miles of beautiful beaches, deservedly known as the Cypriot Riviera. Stroll in the sea promenade or visit the lush Municipal Gardens. On the coastal road to the east, just after the luxurious hotels, you will find Amathus, one of the ancient city Kingdoms of Cyprus. See the ruins and take a dip near the site of an ancient port. At 14 km west of Limassol lies Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress whose walls contain not only an imposing tower and surrounding living quarters but also an ancient sugar factory.

Just 19 km west of town, visit the Kourion archaeological site, an ancient city-kingdom, where you can take in a play or concert at the ancient Greco-Roman Theater, overlooking the blue Mediterranean. And, a bit further on, explore a treasure trove of Greek and Roman sites, such as the Sanctuary of Apollo. LARNAKA, gateway to the island and entry point to adventure Larnaka is likely to give visitors their first impressions of Cyprus since the island's largest International Airport is there. It has flourished as a tourist resort over the past ten years and is the third largest town in Cyprus, though with some 64,000 inhabitants it is much smaller than Nicosia and Limassol. Most of the Northern part of the town stands on the site of ancient Kition one of whose illustrious sons was the Philosopher Zeno (335-263 B.C.) Here yachts and sailing vessels from around the globe bob and glint, and along the harbor perimeter is a palm-lined promenade. Between shopping trips to Larnaka's international-caliber boutiques, inviting cafes offer shady resting spots and sweeping ocean views.

The promenade winds its way to a striking finale, the Larnaka Medieval Museum, housed in a 17th-century fort. Originally called Kition in the days of the Old Testament, Larnaka reached a heyday as a commercial center in the 1700's, when the consulates were established here. One of the oldest, continually-inhabited cities in the world, Larnaka abounds with sights. Nearby is an 18th-century aqueduct, and two wonderful museums - the Larnaka District Archaeological Museum and the Pierides Foundation Museum. Both contain exceptional examples of Mediterranean art. Make your way north from the fort, toward the center of the city, and you will come to one of Larnaka's and the island's most cherished sites - the church of St. Lazarus.After his resurrection from the dead by Jesus, Lazarus elected to live out his "second" life as Bishop of Cyprus. He is reputedly buried in a crypt under the main altar. Heading out from Larnaka toward Limassol, stop by the enchanting village of Lefkara.

Doubtless you, like Leonardo da Vinci five centuries before you, will be seduced by Lefkara's exquisite handmade lace... PAPHOS, home of Aphrodite, Adonis, Dionysus, and lucky mortals Paphos is rapidly becoming the most popular holiday resort in Cyprus. The small, picturesque harbor is a popular meeting/dining place and Paphos is especially interesting for those who care for history and archaeology. The population is about 40,000. The fact that Cyprus' second International Airport is located nearby does not appear to have changed anything about this sleepy coastal town. Close to the waterside restaurants at the harbor lies Paphos Fort. It was built by the Turks in 1592 on the site of an earlier, ruined medieval castle. Inside there are rooms once used as dungeons while the main room is occasionally used for exhibitions. From the roof one has a fine view of the harbor and the surrounding country. Not to be missed Paphos is the House of Ancient God Dionisos. A 3rd Century Roman Villa was discovered in 1962 and is named after one of the mosaics depicting Dionysos, God of Wine.

The mosaics are now protected by a wooden structure with walkways which permit visitors to view with ease. Aphrodite's presence seems to have drawn other divinities and notable mortals as well. Excavations have unearthed the spectacular 3rd - 5th century-mosaics of the Houses of Dionysus, Orpheus, and Aion, and the Villa of Theseus - buried for sixteen centuries and yet remarkably intact. Their grace of line and subtlety of color will surely inspire elevated feelings in those who see them. Also in this region is the Odeon Theater, a stone structure still used as it was in ancient times for outdoor concerts, plays, and games. Small wonder then that the whole town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of world heritage. Past Polis and Latsi, the Baths of Aphrodite provided the ancients with a dramatic setting for outdoor bathing. The Fontana Amorosa, or fountain of Love, still bubbles forth nearby. Is it simply water... or Aphrodite's fabled love potion? Later periods of history have also left their traces.

The tombs of the kings, in Kato Paphos, is a monumental honeycomb structure carved into sheer rock whose vaults held the tombs of Ptolemy period nobles. Nearby, the stone pillar where St. Paul, according to tradition, was bound and beaten for preaching Christianity thrusts heavenward. The Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery was founded in the 12th century A.D. and is dedicated to "Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate". The neighboring monastery of Agios Neofytos contains some of the world's finest Byzantine frescoes and icons as well as an interesting Byzantine museum. Archaeological discoveries in the Paphos region are continual, making it a highlight for those tracing civilization's roots in Cyprus. For a glimpse of the artifacts and master works found in the area, visit the District Archaeological Museum. Returning to the 20th century, enjoy a cool drink, a steaming Cypriot coffee, or a meal of just-caught seafood in one of the tavernas that dot the scenic harbor side in the town of Paphos. Hotels for every taste and budget can be bound in town and the surrounding area.

Use them as your home base for discovering this rich region. !!!FAMAGUSTA IS UNDER TURKISH OCCUPATION SINCE THE INVASION OF THE TURKISH TROOPS IN 1974!!! The central point of old Famagusta is the magnificent Latin cathedral of St Nicholas, consecrated in 1326. Thanks to its later conversion to use as the Lala Mustapha mosque, the building has not only remained standing where many minor churches have been allowed to fall into decay, but it has escaped many of the architectural modifications which have been made to contemporary European cathedrals. It thus remains as an outstanding example of original Gothic architecture. The square in which it stands, bounded on the opposite side by the palace of the Venetian Providitore, had once the reputation of being the largest in the Western world. Famagusta, too, is the 'seaport in Cyprus' of Shakespeare's Othello: there is little doubt that the governor of the city in 1508, Christoforo Moro, is identifiable with Shakespeare's Moor.

Due to this link, the citadel of old Famagusta, which bears the winged lion of Venice above its main entrance, is now known as 'Othello's Tower'. The new town of Varosha presents a complete contrast: it contains all the buildings of commercial and administrative importance, the night-clubs and the luxury hotels. It is jointly to these hotels-fronting directly on to one of the best beaches of the island-and to the port that Famagusta owes its present prosperity. The port itself lies immediately under the Venetian defences of the old town. It is from here that most of the agricultural produce of the Mesaoria is exported, and into where the greater part of the island's imports are directed. If, then, the tourist area and the sea-front could be in any Mediterranean coastal resort (albeit cleaner than many), and if the port could equally well be anywhere else in the world, the residential sectors of the town are perhaps unique.

For here the orange groves on the rich and formerly well-watered soils of the outlying areas intermingle with the villas, not only providing most of the inhabitants with their own supply of fresh fruit,but also serving to perfume the whole town with the distinctive sweet scent of orange blossom. !!!KYRENIA IS UNDER TURKISH OCCUPATION SINCE THE INVASION OF THE TURKISH TROOPS IN 1974!!! Kyrenia was the most picturesque of all the Cypriot towns up until July 1974 when its inhabitants were forced out, once best known to the English community and unjustly famed as the favored place of retirement of ex-colonial administrators. The town was founded by Achaean colonists in the tenth century BC, later to become a full city state. But it was not of great importance in the overall political structure of the island until it was fortified by Byzantium. The castle, which dates from this time, was strengthened and enlarged by the succeeding Lusignan and Venetian rulers.

It was used again as a place of imprisonment during the EOKA movement of the 1950s, although even then prisoners succeeded in escaping by the simple expedient of climbing down on knotted sheets. Despite having a history longer than any of the other five towns, Kyrenia was the only one that did not act as a market centre for the region, since its position a such is usurped by the neighboring twin villages of Lapithos and Karavas, and by Nicosia which is only 15 miles distant on the direct road. It has, then, become first and foremost a holiday resort, centering on the little yachting and fishing harbor. Although accommodating only 5,000 inhabitants in 1970, it looked set for growth also as a commuter village to serve Nicosia but the dream disappeared after the Turkish troops invaded the island. ANCIENT TOWNS ENGOMI Enkomi, north of Famagusta on the east coast of Cyprus, was an important center of the Mediterranean copper trade during the late Bronze Age. In ancient times it was probably called Alashiyal (Alasia), the name by which the entire island was known.

Although now some distance from the shore, Enkomi was once situated on an inlet of the sea, and conducted active trade with Egypt and the Levant during the late 16th and early 15th centuries BC. Evidence of contact with the Mycenaeans dates from as early as 1450-1400 BC. Enkomi was abandoned in the 11th century BC after a series of destructions and changes of rulers, including colonization by Mycenaens in the late 13th century. Tombs located under houses within the ancient settlement were excavated by the British Museum in the 1880s, although the existence of the city remained unknown until 1934. Subsequent excavations have revealed the plan of the city and its defenses. SINCLAIR HOOD SALAMINA Salamis, the main city of ancient Cyprus, was situated on the east coast near the modern city of Famagusta. An important port said to have been founded by Ajax's half-brother Teucer after the Trojan War, it was the scene of a Greek naval victory over Egypt in 306 BC.

Badly damaged in the Jewish revolt of AD 116-17, Salamis was rebuilt by the Roman emperor Constantius II after an earthquake in the 4th century and was finally destroyed by the Arabs in 647. RETURN TO THE CYPRUS ACCESS PANEL RETURN Nicosia Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com 8 Other websites Division Nicosia is the only divided capital city in the world . It has a northern ( Turkish ) section and a southern ( Greek ) section. These sections are divided by the " Green Line ". It is a demilitarized zone created by the United Nations . Unlike Cold War East and West Berlin , the terms "North Nicosia" and "South Nicosia" are not commonly used. The northern half of Nicosia is the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Nicosia has a total population of 310,355. [1] Features Nicosia has many shops , restaurants and entertainment . The city is a trade center. It manufactures textiles , leather , pottery , plastic , and other items. Copper mines are nearby. The University of Cyprus (UCY) is in Nicosia.

Climate Nicosia has a hot semi-arid climate (BSh in the Koeppen climate classification ). History Nicosia was a city-state known as Ledra or Ledrae in ancient times . The king of Ledra was Onasagoras in 672 BC . The city was rebuilt by Lefkos, son of Ptolemy I around 300 BC. Ledra in Hellenic and Roman times was a small, unimportant town, also known as Lefkothea. It got its first Christian bishop , Trifillios , in 348. The city became the island's capital around the 10th century . It had grown in importance because of threats to the coastal cities Paphos and Salamis . These threats made many people leave the coast of the island and move to Lefkosia in the center of the island. The city became a Venetian possession in 1489. It was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1571 . During this time, the city grew culturally . In the 15th and 16th centuries , many palaces , churches and monasteries were built.

About 20,000 people living in the city died because of the Ottoman attack of 1570. Many disasters happened in the city during the 19th century . Cholera hit the city in 1835. Fire destroyed large parts of Nicosia in 1857. The British Empire took control of the island in 1878. Nicosia was the capital of the new British colony . In early 1974, military forces supported by the Greek government took control of Cyprus. Because of this, Turkey sent forces to the island to also try and take control of it. The Turkish forces caused the Greek supported government to end but the Turks refused to leave the country. The believed that if they left, the Turkish people living in Cyprus would be in danger:danger . The Turkish forces moved to the northern part of Cyprus and stayed there. Because of this, Cyprus and the city of Nicosia were divided in half. The northern area is contolled by Turkish Cypriots (people from Cyprus) as a part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus . The southern part is controlled by Greek Cypriots.

Only the country of Turkey says that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is an actual country. Twinnings

Question: Which European capital city was a city-state known as Ledra in ancient times?
Answer: Nicosia